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Constitution Day, marking the importance of the constitutional values among the Indian citizens, is also known as National Law Day.
On October 11, 2015, PM Narendra Modi declared Samvidhan Divas, while laying the foundation stone for the Statue of Equality. (Image: Shutterstock)
Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Divas, is observed on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution, a milestone that shaped the democratic framework of the nation. On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India, led by visionary leaders like Dr BR Ambedkar, finalised the Constitution after nearly three years of deliberations. It came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the birth of the Indian Republic.
Constitution Day Of India: History
Recognising the significance of this historic event, the Government of India officially declared November 26 as Constitution Day in 2015, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Constitution was drafted by a Constituent Assembly formed under the 1946 Cabinet Mission Plan. Its first session was held on December 9, 1946, with Dr Sachhidanand Sinha as Provisional President and Dr Rajendra Prasad later becoming the permanent chairman.
The Drafting Committee, chaired by Dr BR Ambedkar, prepared the world’s longest Constitution, originally including 395 articles, 22 parts and 12 schedules.
Initially, the Constitution was handwritten in English and Hindi, with calligraphy by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and artwork by Nandalal Bose and Shantiniketan artists. The original manuscript, featuring 22 historical illustrations, is preserved in helium-filled cases at the Parliament Library.
Initially, the Constitution primarily stressed Fundamental Rights but did not include Fundamental Duties. These were added in 1976 via the 42nd Amendment, introducing Article 51-A, listing ten duties inspired by Indian traditions and global practices. An eleventh duty was added in 2002.
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Constitution Day Of India: Significance
Constitution Day is a tribute to the framers of the document.
As the world’s lengthiest written Constitution, it serves as the bedrock of India’s democratic ethos, laying stress on principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. It is a day to honour the vision and efforts of the Constituent Assembly, which, through maximum deliberations, laid the foundation for a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
Constitution Day Of India: 5 Inspirational Quotes
- “The Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document; it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of age.” – BR Ambedkar
- “We are Indians, firstly and lastly.” – BR Ambedkar
- “Life should be great rather than long.” – BR Ambedkar
- “Our constitution is a ray of hope: H for harmony, O for the opportunity, P for people’s participation, and E for equality” – Narendra Modi
- “If I find the constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it” – BR Ambedkar
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Constitution Day Of India: Ways To Celebrate
To celebrate Constitution Day, you can:
- Read the Preamble of the Constitution: A key activity is reading the Preamble and reaffirming the commitment to uphold its principles.
- Engage in discussions or debates: Focus on the Constitution’s core values – justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Participate in quizzes: The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs offers a quiz to test knowledge about the Constitution.
- Organise educational programmes: Schools and organisations can hold special programs to raise awareness about the Constitution’s significance.